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Zenpep
Zenpep is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) used to help patients who have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). This condition occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the diet. Zenpep contains a combination of lipases, proteases, and amylases, which are enzymes that aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, respectively. Zenpep is commonly prescribed for conditions like chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or after pancreatic surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Zenpep to start working?
Zenpep begins to work with your first meal. You should notice an improvement in digestive symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or gas shortly after starting treatment, as it helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively.
Can Zenpep be taken without food?
No, Zenpep should be taken with meals or snacks to help digest the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in your food. Taking it without food will not provide the intended benefits.
Can children take Zenpep?
Yes, Zenpep is approved for use in both adults and children with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, including children with cystic fibrosis. The dose is adjusted based on the child’s weight and specific needs.
Is Zenpep safe to take long-term?
Yes, Zenpep is safe for long-term use in patients with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis. Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is important to ensure that the dose remains appropriate.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Zenpep?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is with food. If you are between meals, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with your next meal or snack.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Zenpep Work?
- Lipase: Helps break down dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Protease: Assists in digesting proteins into amino acids.
- Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates into sugars for easier absorption.
These enzymes are released in the small intestine, where they help digest food more efficiently, allowing the body to absorb nutrients properly.
Common Dosages
- 3,000 lipase units
- 5,000 lipase units
- 10,000 lipase units
- 15,000 lipase units
- 20,000 lipase units
- 25,000 lipase units
- 40,000 lipase units
Typical Dosing
- The dosing of Zenpep is individualized based on the patient’s weight, the severity of the enzyme deficiency, and dietary fat intake. A typical starting dose is 500 to 2,500 lipase units per kilogram of body weight per meal.
- Patients usually take Zenpep with meals and snacks to ensure proper digestion. Higher doses are generally taken with meals and lower doses with snacks.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) due to conditions such as:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatectomy (surgical removal of the pancreas)
- Other conditions leading to EPI
Who Shouldn't Take Zenpep?
- Known hypersensitivity to pork proteins, as the enzymes in Zenpep are derived from porcine (pork) sources.
- Acute pancreatitis or exacerbations of chronic pancreatitis, where enzyme replacement therapy is not typically used during acute phases.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Take Zenpep with food to ensure proper digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Swallow the capsules whole with water.
- If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, the contents can be sprinkled on a small amount of soft, acidic food (like applesauce) and consumed immediately without chewing.
- Do not mix the contents of the capsule with hot foods or liquids, as heat can destroy the enzymes.
- Ensure you drink plenty of fluids while taking Zenpep to help with digestion and avoid dehydration.
- Store Zenpep at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Side Effects of Zenpep
Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Fibrosing colonopathy (a rare condition that causes scarring and narrowing of the colon, typically in high doses and in patients with cystic fibrosis)
- Severe allergic reactions (such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing)
Risks and Warnings of Zenpep
- Fibrosing colonopathy: High doses of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, particularly in children with cystic fibrosis, have been associated with fibrosing colonopathy, a serious condition involving narrowing of the intestines. This risk is dose-dependent and requires regular monitoring.
- Allergic reactions: Since Zenpep is derived from pork, it can cause allergic reactions in people with pork allergies.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Zenpep may cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. If these symptoms become severe or persistent, consult your healthcare provider.
Interactions with Zenpep
Common Drug Interactions
- Zenpep is not known to have significant drug interactions, but it may interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking.
Alternatives to Zenpep
- Creon: Another pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy similar to Zenpep, used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
- Pancreaze: Another form of PERT used for patients with pancreatic enzyme insufficiency.
- Viokace: Pancreatic enzyme tablets that are often taken with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to help with enzyme absorption in the small intestine.
- Pertzye: A similar pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy used to treat patients with EPI.
